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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Statement by U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, on the Abduction and Murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir... "The world has too often learned the hard way that violence only leads to more violence and at this tense and dangerous moment, all parties must do everything in their power to protect the innocent and act with reasonableness and restraint, not recrimination and retribution."

The
United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the despicable
and senseless abduction and murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir. It is
sickening to think of an innocent 17 year old boy snatched off the
streets and his life stolen from him and his family. There are no words
to convey adequately our condolences to the Palestinian people.

The authorities are investigating this tragedy, a number of Israeli
and Palestinian officials have condemned it, and Prime Minister
Netanyahu has been emphatic in calling for all sides “not to take the
law into their own hands”. Those who undertake acts of vengeance only
destabilize an already explosive and emotional situation. We look to
both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take all
necessary steps to prevent acts of violence and bring their perpetrators
to justice. The world has too often learned the hard way that violence
only leads to more violence and at this tense and dangerous moment, all
parties must do everything in their power to protect the innocent and
act with reasonableness and restraint, not recrimination and
retribution.

Churches
for Middle East Peace expresses its abhorrence and dismay at the news
that the three Israeli students abducted on June 12 were found dead
yesterday near Hebron in the West Bank. This is a horrific act for
which there can be no excuse or rationale.

We also deplore the
disproportionate response to the kidnappings by Israeli security forces
that has contributed to the deaths of several Palestinian youths. This
violence clearly is a symptom of a long conflict and occupation that
must be resolved if more tragic losses are to be avoided.

We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint at this difficult time.